'Tis the Week after Christmas

'Tis the week after Christmas

And my mind is quite full

Of the past week's memories--

Not one that is dull!

We started at the in-law's

And had a nice time.

Audrey was spoiled

With many toys and a lion.

When we came back home,

Josh wrecked the place.

Our house is getting bigger.

I am going to love the new space.

Josh turned 27

But we didn't go out

Because Audrey was all spotted

From a drug allergy no doubt.

But that girl opened her stocking
To find lots of fun toys.
She's not sure about her new penguin
Because it makes a weird noise.

Then off to Granny's we went
After church on the Eve.
Fun times and great gifts
We all did receive.



Then Nanalynn blessed us all
With presents galore.
Audrey got a singing stage,
Clothes, and a spotted paint horse.

Layton and Audrey were so sweet
On their first Christmas day,
Two peas in a pod
In their long red PJs.

Now we are back home
With still one gift-giving to go,
Meanwhile working on the house And Audrey's top tooth making a show.



These pictures and memories
Are fun to talk about.
We hope your time was joyous too
And that you are not all Christmased-out!

Merry Christmas to All!

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

BEWARE of our Christmas monster!

BEWARE! We have a little Christmas monster running loose in our home this holiday season!

It snarls at Christmas cheer!

It terrorizes innocent snowflakes!

No bow is safe in its path!

Just look at its new razor sharp teeth!

It should be put behind bars until January!

And yet, it has already started chewing through those, too, posing as one of Santa's helpers!

Guard your ribbons and reindeer, your presents and poinsettias! Hide the holly and HO, HO, HO! It's Audrey's 1st Christmas!

A Georgia Peach of a Trip

Last week, Audrey went on her first plane trip to visit her Uncle Austin and future Aunt Melinda in Georgia. We went with my mom, sister, and nephew and had such a great time! You would think it would be a nightmare traveling with a 9 month old and 8 month old, but they did so well. Audrey was big into waving at all the new people she met along the way...even those outside the airplane window...

Austin and Melinda live close to Atlanta in Newnan, and the fall foliage was so beautiful this time of year. While they were at work, we strolled around their neighborhood and golf course and took pictures in the leaves (pictures to come later :)

We also went to the Georgia Aquarium which was so fun! Audrey was shrieking and waving at all the fish the whole time. It was amazing to watch the babies see and respond to the huge fish and beautiful water all around us!

Like I said, the babies traveled very well to and from Georgia. But it did feel like we were a traveling circus sometimes... and if I never sing "Old MacDonald" or read "Sesame Street Pumpkin Patch Party" ever again, I will be just fine. :) My family thought is was so funny to call out obscure animals during the song. How do you make the sound of a Beluga whale?

Tips for traveling with babies: Lots of snacks and favorite toys! Fly at naptime! Allow yourself lots of time! Pack lightly with fewest bags possible! Bring clothes for all types of weather! Have a shuttle take you to and from the airport!

Thanks again for having us, Austin and Melinda! We love you and miss you already!

Our Little Dolls

We dressed the babies up last weekend and went "trick-or-treating" to Aunt Nancy's house. It was too funny. I don't think the kids are going to appreciate it much when they see these pictures as teenagers, though!

My Little Punkin'

I've decided that my little punkin is going to be a pumpkin for Halloween. For some wild reason, I really want to hand-make her costume. She may end up looking more like an orange blob! But you better believe she will be a cute blob!

Baby Wrangling

It's the 9 a.m. nap hour, and all three babies are asleep. I am not normally a boastful person, but I am always impressed with myself when I look across the room at the little sleeping bodies-- ages 12 months, 8.5 months, and 7 months--knowing that I managed once again to get them down by myself. Maybe it's relief more than pride!

Here's my Audrey Lynn...

It amazes me how my heart can leap EVERY TIME I look at her. I love her from head to toe... On her head, she has always had the wildest hair! It lays down a little better now that it is longer, but it thinned in the back and then she rubbed a big bald spot. So still wild! Her eyes have always taken everything in, and I am excited to say that she has my eye color which I never thought would happen considering how dark her daddy's eyes are. Smiling or talking all day, her dimple is always present. She is very rolly, weighing in at around 19 pounds, so she has an extra chin for us to kiss...as well as an extra arm pit and belly roll and knees! Then on her stubby limbs, you can find tiny little hands and feet...which I see flailing around at the moment meaning she is now awake from her nap which did not last very long! But that means I get to go over to see that big after-nap smile and kiss that double chin! Thanks for letting me brag once again...I guess that's what proud mamas do!

So Here's the Deal...

For all those who are just dying to know what the Deals are up to these days, I have decided a blog might be an interesting and fun adventure for all of us! I figure it will mostly become an Audrey-log for the grandparents, but I like the idea of getting complex thoughts and communication out during the day (so I won't end up responding "da, da" permanently!)



For those who may not know much about us, Josh and I were married in May 2005 after graduating from Texas Tech. We are currently living in Comanche, Texas, and Josh works for the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. (He helps landowners improve their land.) I taught 3rd grade last year but am blessed to stay home with our little girl Audrey now. She was born in February of this year and is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me, next to God's saving grace. She is almost seven months old now and is so fun! She likes to say HI! to everyone and is big into saying "da, da" about everything. She is very smiley and loves mirrors and cups. LOTS more on her to come! I consider myself a Baby Wrangler right now. During the day, I also keep two little boys, so that makes three kids all under the age of 1 that I chase all day! I'm up to my knees in diapers and spit up, but it has been fun! How can you beat a triple-dose of baby smiles and coos?

So that's the Deals in a nutshell... Check back periodically for pictures and the day-to-day diaper dish.